KAYAK’s insights & trends for Panama City car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Panama City with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Panama City?
You should book your rental car in Panama City around 81 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Panama City?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar (₹ 38/day), Budget (₹ 44/day) and Hertz (₹ 48/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Dollar 2106 W 15th Street (3.6 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Panama City?
Hires in the Medium category (Nissan Sentra or similar) are the most popular option in Panama City, costing ₹ 5,908/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 4,627/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Panama City?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Panama City is January at an average cost of ₹ 3,917/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in Panama City when prices are ₹ 7,642/day on average, which tends to be 12,852% above the yearly average hire price for Panama City.
Which car hire company in Panama City has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Panama City, more than any other car hire company.
Panama City car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Panama City by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
₹ 3,056 - ₹ 6,161
All Car Types
₹ 5,655 - ₹ 9,676
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Panama City?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Panama City?
Small car hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 4,780 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 3,056 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 37% cheaper than the average car hire in Panama City, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 6,708 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 4,537 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 11% cheaper than the average car hire in Panama City, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Panama City typically cost around ₹ 7,199 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 4,362 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Panama City, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 7,374 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average ₹ 6,221 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Panama City, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 9,974 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 5,922 per day, which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 25% more expensive than the average car hire in Panama City but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 6,893 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 3,916 per day, which is about 44% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 9% cheaper than the average car hire in Panama City, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 10,472 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average ₹ 7,317 per day, which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Panama City but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Panama City typically costs around ₹ 9,640 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average ₹ 4,871 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Panama City but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Dollar
Small
₹ 4,484/day
₹ 2,864/day
Panama City car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who rented a car in Panama City
Be prepared to wait. There's always a long line at the car counters once a plane arrives. Fill out as much paperwork online for check in process as possible.
CourtneySept 2024
Make sure you call after making the reservation or leading up to it because apparently this situation happens often in Panama City from what the staff shared with us.
Verified travelerMar 2024
Parking is abundant everywhere so having a rental car was convenient and easy. If you're staying at the beach and not going anywhere else, you may be able to get away with renting golf carts as they are plentiful in those areas. If you're planning on seeing several other areas away from where you're staying, go with a rental. Not sure how much uber there is there as we did not use.
JohnNov 2023
Very little traffic this time of year (early November).
Verified travelerOct 2023
Check out a car directly from the airport to save money.
TinaMay 2023
Make sure everything you need done is correct before leaving with the car. Once you drive off it’s set in stone.
AdityaMay 2023
The airport is very convenient. Parking in the beach areas can be a bit challenging at times
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Panama City
Car rentals in Panama City will allow greater access to several shorelines, including Bunkers Cove and West Beach Drive along Saint Andrews Bay. Neither of these attractions has many stops from the Bay Town Trolley, the public transit service, and are easier to access with a personal vehicle. Considering you will be surrounded by sunny coastline, your beach trips will be simpler and more convenient with the benefit of a Panama City car rental, instead of trying to carry everything onto a trolley or bus. There are nearly 100 public access points along Panama City Beach that you can reach with a personal vehicle, conveniently located within walking distance of the sand.
Panama City is primarily serviced by Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), which offers rental cars on-site at the rental car counters located on the main floor of the terminal. As the midpoint between Pensacola and Tallahassee, travelers staying in Panama City might also be flying into Pensacola International Airport (PNS) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), both of which offer rental cars at the counters on the main floor of their terminals.
Expect plenty of pedestrians as you drive through the city, particularly along beaches. With long, humid summers that make for easy walking weather, watch for jaywalking or careless pedestrians along the shores of Panama City Beach. On weekends and holidays, these areas can become particularly crowded with beachgoers wanting to enjoy the party atmosphere.
The heaviest traffic you will encounter in Panama City will generally be on sunny days, especially weekends, as you make your way across the Hathaway Bridge and along Panama City Beach. If you are visiting during hurricane season, from June until November, monitor weather forecasts and use caution if forced to drive during heavy rain or strong winds. When traveling during rainy weather, drive slowly, turn gradually, and give yourself extra space to stop.
25% of our users found rental cars in Panama City for ₹ 2,864 or less
Medium rental cars in Panama City are around 54% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Panama City
What type of car is recommended for driving in Panama City?
The recommended car rentals in Panama City are standard or full-size cars. Since you will not be driving through narrow streets, but could still encounter a busy environment along the shores of Panama City Beach, these models will provide a blend of maneuverability and comfort. It will also allow you the storage room to pack materials for a full day of beach enjoyment.
What’s the speed limit in Panama City?
The typical speed limit in Panama City for a residential neighborhood or business district is 25mph. Major roads, such as Highway 98 that connects Panama City and Panama City Beach, have limits of around 45mph. Stay under the limit when you pass Panama City Beach, as the police presence in the area is concentrated to ensure a safe environment for beachgoers.
Where are the best places to park in Panama City?
With nearly 100 public beach access points along the shores of Panama City Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from when looking for a parking spot. The majority of these access points have free public parking, though you should check the beach flag warning system before parking and walking to the beach. These flags indicate the safety of the water at each access point, and the presence of the double-red flag means that you should find another spot on the beach since that access point is closed to the public. In downtown Panama City, you can find over 4,000 spots along the streets and in designated lots. These spots can vary in cost depending on their proximity to the downtown area but typically cost around $1 for an hour. They also have a variety of time limits, with certain spots in the heart of downtown only allowing a maximum of 2h.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Panama City?
On average a rental car in Panama City costs ₹ 4,484 per day.
Which hire car agencies will pick you up at NW Florida Beaches airport (ECP)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from NW Florida Beaches airport to off-airport locations is Dollar.
How can I find car hires near me in Panama City?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Panama City?
A Small car hire in Panama City costs ₹ 7,492 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Panama City?
A Medium car hire in Panama City costs ₹ 8,109 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Panama City?
A Large car hire in Panama City costs ₹ 8,389 per day, on average.
My experience with Budget was positive. The service was friendly, and picking up and returning the car went smoothly.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
We liked the Buick SUV Good size car Thank you Great value... Thank you
8.0 Very Good
Colleen, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Spiders were in outside mirror and 1 got into truck Person at counter was very polite and gave me upgrade since my original choice was not available
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
Handling of Jeep
8.0 Very Good
Rick, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
The car was easy to pick up but had pressure to upgrade. The car smelled like smoke which was a definite turn off.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Standard SUV
Service at the pickup desk in the airport was friendly and helpful. The line was not long. Access to the vehicles was convenient, and we did upgrade for a small fee to a larger and new SUV which made the trip more enjoyable.
The staff member that assisted me to pick up the vehicle was very nice & the process was quick due to me doing most of the paperwork online before I picked up the car. On drop off - I just dropped off the keys - no need to speak to a person.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Minivan
Hertz operates different businesses under the same name. I accidentally made the reservation at a hertz location not at the airport. At the airport counter the hertz rep could find my reservation but said it was with a different hertz organization and he couldn’t transfer it or help to rent me a minivan. It was 8:30 at night, and the other store was closed. I have my family of 7 (5kids) at an airport with no transportation. I will never rent from hertz again. Period.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
Always great with Star!! She takes such great care of us
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Nov 2022
Having to pay a one way fee when the company has offices in both locations
I had made a last-minute rental reservation the evening before I needed a car. The next morning, I was in an Uber 5 minutes away from the Enterprise when I got a call from the staff saying they actually don't have any cars available. The staff did everything they could for us - gave us advice and tried calling another nearby location to see if they had cars - so this is not on them at all. The system simply shows there are cars available when there aren't, and that should be rectified immediately. Thankfully we were able to find a Hertz that had literally one single car left, because the entirety of Panama City was sold out of cars and we would have been stranded, unable to get home.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard SUV
I like how enterprise location at the airport was still able to accommodate me even though I had picked a location near the airport.
6.0 Okay
Jimmy, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
The staff was very friendly and prompt but the car was very dated, smelled and pulled right when driving.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
Checking and checking out was a breeze! I would use Enterprise again.
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